IMPORTANT: If You’re on Blood Thinners, Let Your Oral Surgeon Know

Many people take “blood thinner” medications to prevent the formation of potentially harmful blood clots. Though these powerful drugs protect against stroke, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other life-threatening events, they also interfere with the body’s natural ability to stop blood flow at the site of tissue damage. Therefore, it is imperative that you advise your doctor before having any procedure that may induce bleeding. Dental procedures, including oral surgery, tend to cause bleeding, and a patient’s inability to form clots is of great concern.

Antiplatelets vs. Anticoagulants

There are essentially two types of FDA-approved blood thinners* on the market:

Antiplateletmedications [i.e: aspirin, Ticlid (ticlopidine), and Plavix (clopidogrel)]. These drugs target the first phase of clot formation, preventing platelets from adhering to each other and to the blood vessel walls.

Anticoagulantmedications [e: Coumadin (warfarin)]. This type inhibits the second phase of clotting, blocking the function of proteins that stabilize the clot, or anticoagulation. Other such drugs are Pradaxa (dabigatran), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), and Lovenox (enoxaparin).

*Since new drugs are introduced regularly, if you do not see your medication listed here, check with your physician to confirm if you are indeed taking a blood thinner.

Your dental practitioner may conduct some tests before your treatment and consult with your doctor before performing a procedure. Your healthcare team will likely do one of three things:

Advise you to continue taking the medications as usual.

Change the dosage or type of medications.

Advise you to stop the medication before the procedure.

Additional precautions may be taken before, during and after the dental procedure to reduce the risk of excessive oral bleeding. Never discontinue or alter your medications without the advice of your physician and dentist.

FAQs About Blood Thinners and Oral Surgery

Q: Should I check my clotting times before a dental appointment? A: Depending upon the type of medication you are taking and the type of dental procedure, you may need to obtain specific blood tests shortly before your visit. This will give your doctor an idea of how your medication will affect your ability to clot after the procedure.

Q: Shouldn’t I stop my blood thinners before a dental visit, just to be safe? A: Cases show that the risks of discontinuing these medications can be very dangerous, and many studies have proven that serious bleeding from most dental procedures, even while taking blood thinners, is very rare. Also, bleeding can be controlled in the dental office using stitches, socket packing, etc. Therefore, even with surgical procedures these life-saving medications are seldom stopped, except in certain patients who have an increased risk of bleeding.

Q: What measures can I take to minimize bleeding after oral surgery? A: Apply pressure on the bleeding sites for 30 minutes with moist gauze or tea bags. You should refrain from spitting, rinsing, using a straw, drinking hot beverages, and smoking for at least the first 24 hours. Also, avoid hard or sharp foods like pretzels or chips for the first two to three days. Your dentist may also prescribe medications that can minimize bleeding.

For more than 40 years, Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery has provided personalized, patient-centered care in Feasterville, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. Our professional team will relieve your pain and restore your smile using the most state-of-the-art techniques available. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.